Episode 33: But What is Space Anyway? A Philosopher’s Eye on Astronomy, with James Robert Brown

We talk a lot at The Star Spot about space, but what, exactly, is space, or time for that matter, and how is it we can know anything at all about our universe and its laws. Some have pronounced the death of philosophy at the hands of science. But are rumours of the discipline’s death greatly exaggerated? Philosopher of science James Robert Brown joins Justin Trottier at The Star Spot to discuss the history and philosophy of astronomy.

After introducing the work of philosophy of science, Brown describes the pervasive nature of arguments over the basic nature of space and time, defends Platonism, speaks to the odd power of thought experiments, and provides an update from the frontlines in the Science Wars. Brown also assures us why we should not worry over new attempts to rehabilitate the reality of time. The passage of time is still an illusion after all!

Current in Space

Denise Fong and Jessica Campbell discuss new insight into space wind and why it should matter to you, plus what we’re learning from the leftovers of supernovae 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud.

About James Robert Brown

James Robert Brown is philosopher of science and mathematics in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. He is the author of many excellent books including The Laboratory of the Mind: Thought experiments in the natural sciences, Smoke and mirrors: how science reflects reality, and Who Rules in Science: An opinionated guide to the wars. His diverse interests include scientific realism, platonism, foundations of physics and the relationship between science and politics, religion and commercialization.

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